By Mitch Vingle
Within my world, many things are colliding.
There's the joy of Thanksgiving. And then there are the duties of writing and voting.
Yes, you read correctly: voting. Election day is over (talk about something to give thanks about...) yet for me there are still votes to be cast. In addition to the Associated Press Top 25 football poll, I'm the state's representative on the basketball poll.
On Tuesday, however, my attention was focused on other votes: the Heisman Trophy and Associated Press All-Big 12 teams. It's early, yes, but I wanted to get at least a running start.
Understand I won't unveil my votes here, because, first, they could change and, second, the Heisman folks make us pinky swear we won't do so before the announcement. But I can share notes that jumped out at me while researching.
First, the Heisman. As faithful followers know, I don't subscribe to ESPN in order for them to decide my ballot. I sit down with an open mind when the dust has settled and examine all the available data.
This year, I have to admit Louisville's Lamar Jackson (ESPN's darling) probably has the lead as we head toward the proverbial clubhouse. Yet it's not as clear-cut of a decision as one might imagine. Also, there are options for those who didn't like Jackson's look in the face-plant against Houston.
For instance, did you know the nation's FBS all-purpose yardage leader right now is Stanford's Christian McCaffrey? Remember him?
It's true. And Stanford is 8-3. (I know, right? Who knew?) And the guys behind McCaffrey in all-purpose yardage are Oklahoma's Joe Mixon and Texas' D'Onta Foreman - two other attractive candidates.
I especially like Foreman, by the way. He's leading the nation in rushing, averaging 186.3 yards. (McCaffrey is No. 5 at 139.9.) Unfortunately for the Longhorn, though, his coach is probably getting fired.
The favorable stats for Jackson are he's No. 1 nationally in points responsible for and No. 2 in total offense. In the latter stat, he's behind Texas Tech's Patrick Mahomes. (That's why I say there's wiggle room here.)
Also, do you know the Big 12 has not one, but two quarterbacks with better pass efficiency ratings than Jackson? Oklahoma's Baker Mayfield is No. 1 nationally, while Oklahoma State's Mason Rudolph (Mason Rudolph!) is No. 10.
Mayfield is certainly a viable Heisman candidate as is his favorite target, Dede Westbrook.
OK, so let's move on to the Big 12 voting - where more than a few things jumped out at me.
First, WVU fans might not be feeling it, especially now, but Mountaineer coach Dana Holgorsen has a shot in league coach of the year voting.
I know, I know... yet think about it. Oklahoma was picked to finish first. And the Sooners probably will. Oklahoma State was picked to finish third and it will finish second. Meanwhile, West Virginia was picked to finish seventh. I mean, they're probably still repairing the scorched turf at Puskar Stadium from last Saturday, but the Mountaineers still are 8-2.
On the flip side, there are many disappointing aspects to WVU's team. At the beginning of the season, I would have sworn I'd be voting for multiple Mountaineer wide receivers for the first and second all-Big 12 teams. Yet the group has been a disappointment. Five league wideouts average more yards than the top WVU candidate: Daikiel Shorts, who is No. 43 nationally, averaging 77.7 yards. That still could change, but...
On defense, I'd also have figured defensive end Noble Nwachukwu as a postseason slam-dunk. In nine games played, though, he's had but three sacks.
Want potentially the biggest Big 12 surprise? The Defensive Player of the Year Award could go to a Kansas player. He at least should be given serious consideration. Sophomore Dorance Armstrong Jr., a Jayhawk defensive end, has 10 sacks already this season and 17 tackles for loss.
But back to WVU. I'm sure I'll vote for cornerback Rasul Douglas, who has seven interceptions, to the first team. But could I also vote for running back Justin Crawford on the second team offense?
I'd find it tough because of his fumbling issues, but if you look strictly at the numbers, the junior college transfer is right there, especially after his 331-yard night against Oklahoma.
Of course, Foreman and Mixon are locks for the first team. Folks might go ahead and vote for OU's Samaje Perine, even though the Sooners' back was hobbled with injury. After that, though, the choices could be Crawford, averaging 93 rushing yards, or Oklahoma State freshman Justice Hill (85.7).
Finally, there are WVU's offensive linemen. I could argue for three of them making the all-Big 12's first team. Also, I could argue against it. Tyler Orlosky, Kyle Bosch and Adam Pankey are all viable candidates, especially when you understand voters must slot tackles and guards.
The Mountaineer line was highly touted coming into the season. Yet, on the flip side, WVU is currently No. 3 in the Big 12 in rushing behind both Baylor and Texas.
There you go, anyway.
Some things to chew on before you get to the turkey.